Being Overweight Can Worsen the Symptoms of Your Acid Reflux

Published on October 5, 2017 by John Weaver

Obesity can exacerbate a number of unrelated medical issues being experienced by a single individual. According to the website Everyday Health, obesity is recognized as a cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also referred to as acid reflux, and has been shown to increase the severity of GERD. However, evidence has shown that a person does not need to be considered obese in order to experience an increase in the severity of their GERD.

A study posted in the New England Journal of Medicine found that small changes in a person’s body weight can have a severe impact on the complications experienced from GERD. The study found that individuals with a BMI between 25 and 30 were nearly twice as likely to develop GERD as individuals with a normal BMI.

Patients who were considered obese were three times as likely to experience an increase in the severity of symptoms related to GERD. Even individuals who experienced a small increase in their BMI, from 21 to 25, were more likely to develop GERD. The study also found that the symptoms caused by GERD could be noticeably reduced in severity and frequency when the patient lost 10% of their body weight.

At Western Surgical Bariatric Center, we offer options like the Orbera gastric balloon, a non-surgical weight-loss option that is ideal for moderately overweight individuals. This option can help you lose 20 to 40 pounds, which can help to reduce the complications you are experiencing as a result of GERD. Contact Western Surgical Bariatric Center today to learn more about the care we can provide.